A Weekend of Escapism at the Malvern Spa

As a full-time working mum of two, if you're lucky enough for a family member to offer to look after your kids for the weekend you ask no questions.

Simply pack them up for their exciting weekend with Nanny and Granddad and think no more of it! We did exactly that when my parents recently offered to give us a weekend to ourselves and while we ordinarily would crack on with the household jobs, we decided to invest in some 'couple time' and do all the things you cannot possibly dream of with two toddlers in tow!

The Malvern Spa

For the weekend, we were 'real adults' and decided to visit the Malvern Spa. Located in the pretty town of Malvern in Worcestershire, this was really handy for me as it's only an hour away from home meaning travel time was minimal and more time was spent enjoying some R'n'R. Upon arrival I must admit I was a little unsure - it is on the edge of a small industrial estate however once you step over the threshold it wouldn't matter if it was located in the centre of New York's Times Square, it was a haven away from the outside world.

Shown to our room, it was a pleasant double hotel room with your mod cons alongside a comfy-looking bed and beautiful bathroom. The view was a big seller, it looked straight to the Malvern Hills and the Worcestershire countryside, perfect to ease you into the relaxation that waited ahead.

After unpacking our overnight bags (yes, no large suitcases containing everything but the kitchen sink!) we popped on our bathrobes and headed to the spa. The spa is split into two, an experiential area and the treatment rooms. With some time ahead of our treatments, we went to the pool area.

The SpaThe indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool is the focal point made up of Malvern's natural spring water. The pool features numerous coves and reclining areas to lie back and let the water jets do their magic. I always enjoy a heated outdoor pool in colder climes and it was beautiful to lie on the water beds where you can look out to the rolling Malvern Hills and watch the sun set.

After the pool we checked out the thermal rooms which feature a Salt Grotto, Crystal Steam Room and Herb Sauna. Steaming ourselves to the point of no more, we returned to the relaxation area to wait for our massages and I picked up a book for the first time in too long (one with words not just pictures!) and indulged in a few chapters before the masseuse called me through.

There are a lot of treatments rooms; reason being the spa is popular with day guests and locals so they accommodate as many guests as they can. I had selected a full body massage so following a brief consultation inside the beautifully tranquil treatment room I quickly felt myself drift away to seventh heaven as the skilled therapist worked away at my knots and provided a relaxing massage to fully enthrall me into the spa ethos using delightfully scented ESPA products.

We gave the gym a miss but I popped my head in and could see that it was kitted out with all the latest equipment spanning plenty of cardio, weights and yoga mats.

The Restaurant

It was hard to drag myself away from the spa but I somehow managed it! A quick change later and I was ready to check out the award-winning restaurant, the Malvern. Depending on your package, dinner is an option for inclusion and a good one at that. Firstly, I'll be honest and say that there aren't many other options locally within walking distance, however more importantly, the food was good, really good!

The a la carte menu was varied and reasonably priced. I tucked into a LOT of the tasty olive bread; a starter of goats cheese tart, generously size and deliciously flavoured with a homemade pesto accompaniment. This was followed by a sumptuous chicken main and finished off with a delectable chocolate brownie, the perfect end to the perfect day!

It's amazing to see how exhausting relaxation can be and with a full belly and feeling as carefree as a daisy in the wind (after calling to check in on the kids) I was eager to settle down to an extremely comfy night snuggled up in the king sized bed.

RecommendationIf you're an adult you will fit the bill - parents, singles, couples, friends it ticks all the boxes. The Malvern Spa has a captivating zen that is a form of escapism from the moment you step over the threshold and for us this was the perfect rejuvenating weekend for us.

Prices for a double room start from Â£120 per room and the website has lots of seasonal offers including meals and treatments. For more information visit www.themalvernspa.com

by Laura MasonMum to 2 Under 3 and just finished maternity leave, Laura is a journalist and Mum. She enjoys reviewing products with her children, exploring new trends and more importantly, life as a mummy. 'Continuously trying to get a 'grip' of motherhood and back to a size 10!'